The streets of Elderhaven bustled with life as traders and craftsmen filled the marketplace. Ever since the town had begun expanding into a trade hub, new faces arrived daily, some seeking fortune, others adventure. Kaito walked through the town square, nodding to familiar faces while surveying the ever-growing settlement. Despite the progress, an unshakable tension lingered in the air. Something big was coming—he could feel it.
That premonition took form when a commotion broke out near the adventurer’s guild.
"Make way! Make way for Rylan, the Stormfang!" a voice bellowed.
Kaito turned just in time to see a tall, broad-shouldered man with silver hair stride confidently through the crowd. His armor gleamed with enchanted runes, and a massive claymore rested against his back. The onlookers murmured excitedly—Rylan was no ordinary adventurer. An A-rank, renowned across the kingdom, known for his exploits against wyverns and marauding bandits.
Rylan’s eyes locked onto Kaito, a smirk playing on his lips. “So, you’re the famous Worldweaver? You don’t look like much.”
Kaito sighed, already sensing where this was going. “And you are?”
“Rylan Stormfang,” he declared. “I’ve heard whispers about your abilities—an upstart forming his own town, wielding strange magic. I came to see if you’re worth the talk.”
Liora stepped beside Kaito, arms crossed, eyes narrowed. “If you’re looking for trouble, take it somewhere else.”
Rylan laughed. “No need for hostility. I simply wish for a friendly duel.”
Kaito hesitated. He wasn’t one to fight for sport, but declining could damage his reputation. Besides, he was curious about Rylan’s abilities.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
“Fine,” Kaito said, rolling his shoulders. “But we do this outside the town.”
Moments later, they stood in an open training field beyond the city gates. Adventurers and townsfolk gathered to watch, eager for the spectacle. Seren, Elara, and Liora stood at the edge, each with varying expressions—Seren, analytical; Elara, worried; Liora, annoyed.
Rylan unsheathed his claymore, resting it over his shoulder. “No killing blows. First to yield loses.”
Kaito nodded, slipping into a ready stance. He took a deep breath, channeling his Worldweaver magic. Threads of golden energy shimmered around him, flowing like unseen currents through the earth.
“Let’s begin,” Rylan announced before vanishing in a burst of speed.
Kaito barely had time to react before the massive blade came crashing down. He sidestepped, weaving magic into the ground. Stone pillars erupted beneath Rylan’s feet, forcing him to leap back. He landed gracefully, grinning. “Clever.”
Kaito pressed the attack, shaping the terrain into shifting platforms, forcing Rylan to constantly adjust his footing. Yet, the adventurer adapted swiftly, his movements fluid, his strikes precise. Sparks flew as his blade clashed against the enchanted defenses Kaito conjured.
The battle raged, neither gaining the upper hand. Kaito controlled the battlefield, weaving traps and barriers, but Rylan’s sheer physical prowess and combat experience countered them with raw force. The crowd gasped with each exchange, tension thick in the air.
Finally, Kaito saw his opening. Feigning a retreat, he lured Rylan into a narrow corridor of stone walls. The moment the warrior charged, Kaito collapsed the structure, sealing him inside.
Silence.
Then laughter echoed from within.
“Impressive,” Rylan admitted as the dust settled. He stood at the center of the ruins, unharmed but visibly winded. “I yield.”
The crowd erupted into cheers, but Kaito barely paid attention. He extended a hand, and Rylan clasped it firmly, his smirk replaced with respect.
“You fight well, Worldweaver. I underestimated you.”
“Likewise,” Kaito replied. “You’re welcome in Elderhaven anytime.”
From the sidelines, Liora grumbled, “I don’t like him.”
Seren smirked. “Jealousy suits you… unfortunately.”
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kaito knew one thing for certain—this was only the beginning. Elderhaven was attracting powerful individuals, and with them, new challenges. He could only hope he’d be ready for what came next.